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Unformatted text preview: The fungus among us
What are they? How do we characterize them? How do they affect other organisms including humans? Fungi Traditionally broken up into four groups Based on their reproductive structures Microsporidians 1 How long have fungi been around? Fungi and their role in the ecosystem Many live as mutualists Most important interactions are associations with plant roots as mycorrhizae Endomycorrhizae Zygomycetes Ectomycorrhizae Basidiomycetes Important in increasing levels of nitrogen and phosphorous that are available for the plant 2 Symbiotic Interactions Mutualism Parasitism Commensalism Long-term close associations Human uses 3 Fungi-animal interactions Fungi Animal interactions 4 Fungi plant interactions How do fungi feed? Heterotrphic absorbers : secrete enzymes onto leaf litter and organic material that break things down into amino acids and sugars, these compounds are then absorbed through the chitinous cell walls Saprophytic fungi are great decomposers. One of the few organisms that can break down and digest wood completely Produce lignin peroxidase and cellulases 5 Fungi and the Carbon Cycle Morphology Mycelium Hyphae Heterokaryotic Septum Coenocytic 6 Chitin Glycogen 7 Chytridiomycota Zygomycota 8 Basidiomycota Ascomycota 9 10 ...
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